A Meissen figure of Harlequin with pug Hurdy-Gurdy, modelled by J.J. Kändler, circa 1738-1740

wearing an octagonal hat, grimacing as he twists the dog's tail in imitation of a hurdy-gurdy (some restoration and losses)

dog's tail restored and fore paws missing.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For this model, Johann Joachim Kändler has clearly reinterpreted a light-hearted engraving entitled Scaramucia, by Bernard Picart, published in 1696 in Amsterdam.
This model depicts Kändler's Harlequin performing a sadistic lazzo, an interruption during the course of a scene where Harlequin or the other players would conjure up something witty, foolish or even cruel as an aside to the main action of the play. The first model was designed with a monkey, and as Meredith Chilton says "as [Harlequin] twists a monkey's tail, making it scream in pain in mockery of the music played on a hurdy-gurdy, he is clealrly relishing his cruelty and bends to his task with gusto". The model has been altered in 1740 and recorded as follows: " 1. Theatralisches Figurgen, welsches einen Hund statt einer Leyer unterm Arme hält und gleichsam leyert"  (1 figure that holds a dog instead of a hurdy-gurdy underneath his arm but plays it like a hurdy-gurdy nonetheless). For a similar model, see R. Jansen, op. cit.,fig. 12, p. 42.